U.S. Belt National Championship titles awarded in 13 weight classes on four age levels

A big throw during the 2018 U.S. Belt Nationals. Photo by Robbert Wijtman.

CAROLINA BEACH, N.C. - The 2018 U.S. Belt National Championships, in its second year held alongside the U.S. Beach National Championships, was the largest Belt Wrestling tournament in USA Wrestling history, with 13 brackets of competition, including six on the Senior level.

A total of 40 athletes competed in this style of wrestling, popular in parts of Asia and Europe. Athletes wrap a belt around the waist area, hold onto the belt at all times, and work to throw their opponent.

“It’s a little bit different. It is kind of like Greco. You can’t trip until you get them into the air, so that’s a little tricky. You have to keep hold of the belt. I love this. It’s a fun environment. You get sun usually. I’ve done Beach Nationals three times. It is something to keep me active in the sport,” said Burkart.

85 kg
1st Place - Sapardurdy Ovezov of unattached
2nd Place - Kenny Hale of Roanoke
3rd Place - Robert Teet of Silver Ravens
Sapardurdy Ovezov (unattached) won by decision over Robert Teet (Silver Ravens)
Sapardurdy Ovezov (unattached) won by decision over Kenny Hale (Roanoke)
Kenny Hale (Roanoke) won by decision over Robert Teet (Silver Ravens)

114-120
1st Place - Cody Jamerson of Strong and Courageous
2nd Place - Christian Decatur-luker of Team Tank
3rd Place - Jayden Harrison of Port City Pirates
Christian Decatur-luker (Team Tank) won by decision over Jayden Harrison (Port City Pirates)
Cody Jamerson (Strong and Courageous) won by decision over Christian Decatur-luker (Team Tank)
Cody Jamerson (Strong and Courageous) won by decision over Jayden Harrison (Port City Pirates)

227-236
1st Place - Javier Salvador of Wolfpack
2nd Place - Cody Deterding of North Paulding High School
Javier Salvador (Wolfpack) won by decision over Cody Deterding (North Paulding High School)
Javier Salvador (Wolfpack) won by decision over Cody Deterding (North Paulding High School)

Novice/Schoolboy

80-88
1st Place - Vincent Morelli of Port City Pirates
2nd Place - Landon Weaver of Gym-O
Vincent Morelli (Port City Pirates) won by decision over Landon Weaver (Gym-O)
Vincent Morelli (Port City Pirates) won by decision over Landon Weaver (Gym-O)